Ponte Colls set for derby action

After torrential rain put paid to Pontefract Collieries’ Toolstation NCE Division One game for the second successive week they are hoping to be back in action in a local derby this Saturday.

Colls’ impressive form round the turn of the year has seen them extend their unbeaten run to 16 matches, but they have been left frustrated by not being able to put their form to good use with the games against top three sides Bottesford Town and Cleethorpes Town falling to the weather.

Managers Nick Handley and Duncan Bray will be hoping to channel that frustration into the next game when Ponte are away to near neighbours Hemsworth Town this Saturday (kick-off 3pm).

They will do well not to take their opponents lightly, however, as although they are down in 17th place they have won their last two matches.

Despite not playing in the last two weeks, Colls still stand in fourth place and they are 10 points behind leaders Bottesford with two games in hand. They have also played two matches less than second-placed Shaw Lane Aquaforce and are nine points behind them with Cleethorpes also on 60 points to Ponte’s 51.

Collieries are in action again next Wednesday when they host Knaresborough Town (5.45pm), the last team to beat them – back on October 1 in a West Riding County Cup tie at Ponte’s White Rose Stadium.

In the Premier Division, Glasshoughton Welfare also had their scheduled game wiped out by the wet weather when they were due to entertain Brighouse Town.

A rescheduled date has not yet been confirmed for the game to be played.

Weather permitting, this Saturday 15th-placed Welfare, who have lost their last four matches and have yet to taste victory in 2014, are at home to Staveley MW, who are four places and 11 points behind them. Kick-off is 3pm.